‘Please help us find killer’

A SOUTH Yorkshire mum broke down in tears as she made a heartfelt plea for help in a 10-year search to find those responsible for the death of her teenage daughter.

Jackie Meloy’s daughter Lindsey Scholes, aged 17, died after a fire was started deliberately at the door of her friend’s flat in Milgate Street, Royston, Barnsley, where she had been attending a party.

Fire death: Lindsey Scholes.

Her two friends jumped from an upstairs window but Lindsey was too scared to follow them.

Firemen broke down the door to rescue her, but by then she was unconscious.

Lindsey suffered serious burns and smoke inhalation and was taken to Barnsley Hospital, but died two days later with her heartbroken mother at her bedside.

Despite a decade-long hunt for her killer no-one has yet been charged.

Yesterday, exactly 10 years on from the fire, her mother was joined by police to launch a fresh appeal for information.

Choking back tears, Jackie said: “Time has not been a healer, especially as we don’t know who started the fire or why.

“I am hoping this anniversary of my daughter’s murder will trigger people’s memories and that someone will come forward with information.

“Lindsey was a fantastic young woman, full of life, and loved her family and friends. She deserves justice and we owe it to her to do all we can to get that justice.”

Det Supt James Abdy, who is investigating, said he believes someone local was responsible for starting the blaze which led to Lindsey’s death.

He said: “There is a good chance the answer to this rests in the community. All we need is that vital piece of information that may assist us to get justice for Lindsey and her family.

“I would encourage anyone out there who has any information to come forward.”

n The investigation team can be contacted by calling 01709 443543 directly. Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously by calling 0800 555111.